We report the passing of Pipe Major Iain Macey, a well-known professional competitor in the 1980s and 90s. He was 70. Iain was from the north east of Scotland and joined the Gordon Highlanders in 1971.
His early instruction was from Major John Allan and Captain Andrew Pitkeathly at the Army School of Piping, Edinburgh Castle. He passed his Pipe Majors’ Certificate with distinction in 1978.
He later moved to the Royal Tank Regiment, and whilst living in the east end of Glasgow briefly had lessons from Donald MacLeod.
After Donald passed away he was taught by the late Andrew Wright and blossomed as a piobaireachd player. His many hours of diligent practice bore fruit.
He was third in the Uist & Barra Piobaireachd in 1983 behind John Wilson and Andrew. He won the Bratach Gorm in 1993, and also featured in the Gold Medal lists, second to Jack Lee at Oban in 2001 playing the End of the High Bridge. His piping was characterised by soft, delicate fingering, and a solid, melodious, full silver bagpipe.
In 1983 he left Glasgow for Oman to teach the Sultan’s air force pipes and drums but managed to slot in competitive appearances on his frequent visits to the UK. He finally returned in the late ’80s to take up a post as Pipe Major of the RAF Halton Voluntary Pipes and Drums.
He was on the move again in the early 90s this time for good when he emigrated to Michigan in the US. Iain was in much demand as a tutor regularly featuring at the College of Piping’s California School and other summer schools.
He was widely sought after as a judge, presiding at competitions throughout North America. In 2004 Iain lost his American wife in a car crash in which he himself was badly injured. RW
